Meaning & use
dependable
Last updated
UK/dɪˈpɛndəbl/
US/dɪˈpɛndəbl/
Meaning
adjectivecomparable
Able to be trusted to do what is expected, consistently and without fail.
Grammar: Gradable adjective; can be used with 'very' or in the comparative 'more dependable'.
Patterns
- dependable person
- dependable car
- dependable service
She is a dependable employee who always finishes her work on time.
This old truck is not very fast, but it's dependable.
We need a dependable source of income.
Word forms
| comparative | more dependable |
|---|---|
| superlative | most dependable |
Common combinations
- highly dependable
- The company is known for its highly dependable customer service.
- completely dependable
- He is completely dependable; you can always count on him.
- dependable source
- The newspaper is a dependable source of information.
- dependable performance
- The car offers dependable performance year after year.
Synonyms and how they differ
- reliable
- Very close in meaning, but 'reliable' can also refer to a single instance of trustworthiness, while 'dependable' emphasizes consistent behavior over time.
- trustworthy
- Focuses more on honesty and integrity; 'dependable' focuses on consistent performance.
- steadfast
- More formal and often used for people's loyalty or commitment; 'dependable' is more general.
Opposites
unreliableundependable
Word family
- depend verb
- To rely on someone or something.
- dependability noun
- The quality of being dependable.
- dependably adverb
- In a dependable manner.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
'Dependable' means consistently reliable, so 'always count on her' matches the meaning. The other options contradict the idea of being dependable.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “dependable”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.